Natural Law

What is Natural Law?

A deontological ethical theory based on human nature and the purposes built into creation.

Who developed Natural Law?

Thomas Aquinas.

What influenced Aquinas' Natural Law theory?

The philosophy of Aristotle and Christian theology.

What type of ethical theory is Natural Law?

Absolutist, deontological, and teleological.

What does deontological mean?

Judging actions according to duties and rules rather than consequences.

What does teleological mean in Natural Law?

Human beings have a purpose (telos) given by God.

What is the telos of human beings?

To achieve human flourishing and union with God.

What is synderesis?

The innate human inclination to do good and avoid evil.

What is the first precept of Natural Law?

Good is to be done and pursued, and evil avoided.

What are the Primary Precepts?

Fundamental moral principles derived from human nature.

What are Aquinas' five Primary Precepts?

Preserve life, reproduce, educate offspring, live in society, and worship God.

What is the Primary Precept of preserving life?

Human life should be protected and sustained.

What is the Primary Precept of reproduction?

Humans should reproduce and continue the species.

What is the Primary Precept of educating offspring?

Children should be raised and educated properly.

What is the Primary Precept of living in society?

Humans should cooperate and contribute to social harmony.

What is the Primary Precept of worshipping God?

Humans should seek and honour God.

What are Secondary Precepts?

Specific moral rules derived from the Primary Precepts.

Give an example of a Secondary Precept.

Murder is wrong because it violates the Primary Precept of preserving life.

How are Secondary Precepts derived?

Through reason applied to the Primary Precepts.

What is real moral law according to Aquinas?

The objective moral order established by God.

What is Eternal Law?

God's rational plan for the universe.

What is Natural Law in relation to Eternal Law?

Human participation in God's Eternal Law through reason.

What is Human Law?

Laws created by governments to promote the common good.

What is Divine Law?

Laws revealed by God through scripture and revelation.

What is an apparent good?

Something that appears good but does not lead to true human flourishing.

What is a real good?

Something that genuinely fulfils human nature and purpose.

Why is reason important in Natural Law?

It allows humans to discover moral truths.

What is the doctrine of double effect?

A principle allowing actions with both good and bad consequences under certain conditions.

When is the doctrine of double effect applied?

When a bad effect is foreseen but not intended.

What are the four conditions of the doctrine of double effect?

The act must be good, the bad effect not intended, the good effect not produced by the bad effect, and there must be a proportionately serious reason.

How is the doctrine of double effect applied to self-defence?

Protecting oneself may be permitted even if the aggressor dies unintentionally.

How does Natural Law view euthanasia?

It is generally wrong because it violates the Primary Precept of preserving life.

How does Natural Law view abortion?

It is generally wrong because it violates the Primary Precept of preserving life.

How does Natural Law view marriage?

It supports marriage because it promotes reproduction and family life.

What is one strength of Natural Law?

It provides clear and objective moral guidance.

What is one strength of Natural Law?

It is based on reason and is accessible to all people.

What is one strength of Natural Law?

It emphasises human dignity and intrinsic value.

What is one weakness of Natural Law?

It relies on disputed assumptions about human purpose.

What is one weakness of Natural Law?

It can be inflexible in difficult situations.

What is one weakness of Natural Law?

It may not reflect modern views on sexuality and relationships.

Who developed a modern version of Natural Law?

John Finnis.

What are Finnis' Basic Goods?

Life, knowledge, play, aesthetic experience, friendship, practical reasonableness, and religion.

How does Finnis differ from Aquinas?

He focuses on basic human goods rather than a specifically religious telos.

What is situation ethics' criticism of Natural Law?

Rules should not be followed rigidly if they conflict with love.

What is a utilitarian criticism of Natural Law?

Consequences matter more than adherence to fixed rules.

How might Natural Law respond to criticisms?

Objective moral rules are necessary to prevent moral relativism.

What AO2 comparison is important for OCR?

Whether morality is best grounded in objective human purposes and duties or in consequences and individual circumstances.